Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

If comfort food could wear a tuxedo, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta would be it — elegant, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy. Tender, golden chicken breasts are seared in a garlicky butter sauce, then paired with perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a velvety lemon-Parmesan cream. It’s bright yet indulgent, comforting yet fresh — the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes after the first bite.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a romantic weekend meal, this recipe combines restaurant-quality flavor with simple, everyday ingredients.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder: The chicken and sauce come together in a single skillet.
• Creamy and zesty: The lemon perfectly balances the richness of the Parmesan.
• Quick & easy: Ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy nights.
• Family favorite: Loved by both adults and kids alike.

 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus extra for finishing)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before removing from the pan.
5. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean — those brown bits add flavor!), melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low and whisk in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat in the creamy sauce.
2. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top to coat.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the pasta and top each serving with sliced chicken breast.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, buttery, garlicky bite!

 Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls for soaking up the sauce.
• A glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Do not freeze: The cream sauce can separate when frozen.

 Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer — 165°F (74°C) is perfect.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
• Balance the flavors. Add more lemon juice at the end if you want extra brightness.
• Make it spicy! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

 Variations

• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Spinach & Mushroom Add-In: Sauté veggies in the skillet before adding cream.
• Cajun Lemon Pasta: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for a Southern-inspired kick.

 Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 32g

 Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is everything you crave in one skillet — tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and a creamy pasta that’s perfectly kissed with lemon. It’s rich and satisfying without being heavy, bursting with fresh flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.